Jasper County Democrat, Volume 19, Number 55, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 7 October 1916 — Page 1

Jasper County Democrat.

$2.00 Per Year

ERNEST MORLAN FOUND GUILTY

Sintence Will Net Be Pronounced Until Saturday. VERDICT SURPRISED MANY Jury Recommeifded the Court to Show Leniency to the Defendant If Within Its Power to Do So. The Morlan perjury trial came to an end shortly before 8 o’clock Wednesday evening wlien the jury brought in a verdict of guilty. The verdict as returned by 'the jury read as follows: State of Indiana • vs. * Ernest L. Morlan We, the jury, find the defendantguilty as charged in the indictment and that he is forty (40) years of age. ELMER E. PULLIN, Foreman. We, the jury, recommend to the v lourt, if in his power, to show Sniency to the defendant. ELMER E. PULLIN, Foreman.

Surprise wa& expressed upon every hand when the verdict was announced, as it seemed to he the general opinion that the jury would in all probability disagree. The taking of evidence was concluded at about 2 o’clock Wednesday afternoon, and the attorneys began their arguments at once. It was after 4 o’clock when they finished and nearly 5 o’clock when the judge concluded his instructions to the jury, which retired almost immediately. They returned with the verdict shortly before 8 o’clock.

After the verdict had been read in court Judge Hanley announced that "entence would not be pronounced until Saturday. This was no doubt done that the attorneys for the defense might have ample time to prepare any motion for a new trial or ask for an appeal, which is the usual proceedure*. The Democtat has tried to present every phase of the question as it was brought out in court in an impartial and just manner. It will be noticed that the state presented an exceptionally strong case, with dates and corroborative statements almost impossible to assail. Following is a resume of the evidence introduced at the trial since Tuesday noon, when our Wednesday edition went to press:

On the reconvening of court Tues-‘ day afternoon Jay Stockton w*as re-" called to .the and said that one evening during the summer in 1915 as he came up from the field he saw a load of corn pass by hauled by one of Makeever’s teams. Said that no one but members of his family or people employed by him had seen corn pass by on croseexamination.

John Borntrager, who had resided one-half mile north of Makeever’s for.the past thirteen years, wag asked if he had a conversation with Makeever regarding the latter's purchase of corn from the county farm in either T9l 4'or 1915? State objected and objection was sustained by the court. Witness was them asked if he had conversation with Makeever regarding purchase of corn from poor farm in 1915? Again the state objected and objection was susß.’~<ed. Witness said that he had testified before board of accounts in 1916. Witness was excused.

George Seibel, who has lived a short distance west of the poor farm for th.e past geven years, was asked concerning his being present at Morlan’s in 1915 when Morlan was mounting Mr. Bristow’s binder

WEATHER FOR SATURDAY. J 1

on a keg in an endeavor to keep the binder from sinking in the fields on account of the wet condition of the ground. ' Witness said he was present and that Bristow, William Havens and Earl Adams were also there. (Defendant had testified about a load of corn having passed by on this occasion.) Witness said a load of corn passed by while they were there at work on the binder. Team was going west, one of the horses was a large sorrel. Witness, could not fix date but said it was during oats cutting. On cross-examination said that he had conversation with Nichols and Garland Grant regarding the matter, also with Tom Grant, his landlord. Grant’ and Nichols had stopped him one time when they were coming to town and witness was going homp and questioned him about the matter. Mrs. J. W. Stockton was the next witness. Said she had seen corn

(Continued on page four.)

COURTHOUSE NEWS IN BRIEF

Intarestlng Paragraphs From the Various Departments OF JASPER COUNTY CAPITOL The Legal News Epitomized—Together with Other Notes Gathered from the Several County Offices. Attorney T. B. Cunningham of Kentland was in the city on legal business Wednesday. The September term'of court will adjourn today. Not much of importance has been done since the close of the Morlan perjury trial. Attorney W. E. Harry of Brook was in .Rensselaer Tuesday looking after the sale of the remaining secsections of the Jordan township road. When this road is completed it will make a continuous stone road direct from here to Brook.

In noting the persons serving on the grand jury in our last issue we omitted the name of Clifford Bever, who was placed on the jury in place of Clyde Randle, who was excused. Gebrge Parker, whose name was mentioned, is not a member of the panel.

County Treasurer Charles V. May and wife entertained the following guests at a three-course dinner On Thursday evening: Misses Belle Southard and Maud Rader of Wolcott, Grace Warnock, Jessie and Lena Williamson and Florence Johnston of Remington and Pearl Babcock of this city and Mr. Elwanger of Louisville, Kentucky. During the evening Mr. Elwanger rendered several delightful selections on the piano.

MONDAY FIRE PREVENTION DAY

Will Re Fittingly Observed by Prograin in Evening. In keeping with the proclamation issued a few days ago by Mayor Spitler, next Monday will be observed as centennial fire prevention day in Rensselaer. A program is being arranged that will include a short program by the Rensselaer band at 7 o’clock p. m. Following the band concert the fire department will make a- run through town and 'Conclude at the high school building. The assemblage will then go to the high school assembly room where short talks will be made by Fire Chief J. J. Montgomery, Rev. J. Budman Fleming and other citizens.

Fire Prevention day is a very worthy project and should receive the united support of all loyal citizens.

MISS GRAFT MARRIED AT BROOK

Miss Nellie Grant, who had been employed at the W. H. Beam home for some time, -was married last Saturday evening to Frank Brown of Brook. After procuring a marriage license here they drove to Brook wher& the ceremony was performed at the IT. B. parsonage by Rev. Sickafoose at 7 o’clock. Subscribe for The Democrat.

THE TWICB-A-WEEK

RENSSELAER, JASPER COUNTY, INDIANA, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1916.

"What Would You Have Done? The People Have A Right To Know”

AUTO TOO MUCH FOR THE MULE

Car Crashes Into Rr.ggy and Hayrack East of Town. Charles Rhoadgs and Dwight Curnick, in a Ford car driven by Rhoades, ran into a buggy driven by Lewis Hooker and a hayrack immediately behind with disastrous results at about 7:45 ojclock Wednesday evening. A few minutes prior to the accident the two young men, with three young ladies in the back seat, whose names we could not learn, had driven out of for a short ride. They were proceeding east along the Pleasant Ridge road and at this time of the evening there were many vehicles coming to town, and these stirred up quite a dust. About the time they reached the Bedford place the lights on the machine commenced working bad, and this with the dust made it difficult for the driver to see. They had passed several rigs and when they met Mr. 'Hooker were almost upon him before they saw him. Rhoades turned out quickly, but not in time to avoid striking the buggy. One front wheel was torn off and the buggy upset. Mr. Hooker was thrown out and suffered several cuts and bruises and a twisted arm. The harness was badly broken. Immediately behind the Hooker

buggy was a hayrack from the Lawler ranch bn which nine men were riding. A team of mules, was hitched to the wagon and the car struck one of these, breaking its leg. It later had to be killed. In a frantic effort to avoid the team Rhoades turned the car quickly to one side and it turned throwing the occupants out. None of the young ladies were injured, it appears, but Rhoades and Curnick suffered several severe cuts and bruises about the hands and face. The car was badly damaged and the damage to the Hooker rig as well ag the dead mule, will make the total damage run high, probably close to S3OO.

The young, men state that they were not speeding but that the accident was due solely to the poor lights and a cloud of'dust that arose from the roadway.

HON. E. P. HONAN TO SPEAK

Will Address Gathering in Milroy Township Next Friday. Arrangements are being made for a Democratic speaking’ and really at the Center school house in Milroy township next Friday evening, October 13. Hon. E. P. Honan of this city will be the principal speaker of the evening. A part of the Rensselaer band will accompany the delegation from Rensselaer, and it is probable that many others will pla* to go from here. A good time is being looked forward to, one that will be along the line ot the old-time political rallies. All who can arrange to go will be made, welcome and are assured of a most pleasant and profitable evening.

MONDAY IS REGISTRATION DAY

Every Voter Should Ascertain If He Must Register Next Monday, October 9, is registration day, and we would urge that every voter in tile county make sure about his own qualifications as an elector if he desires to vote at the November election. Here are some of the points that must be considered : If he has reached the age of 21 years since the last general election in 1914 or will reach that age on or before the day of election, towit: Tuesday, November 7, 1916, then he must register in the precinct in w’hich he intends to vote. If he has moved from one precinct to another since the general election in 1914, or if he has moved out of one precinct into another and then back to the first precinct, he must register. If he registered in 1914 and failed to vote at the general election that year, then he must register. • If he has declared his intention of becoming a citizen of the United States since the last election in 1914 and desires to vote in November,* he mu9t register. „ If he failed to register or vote in 1914 and desires to vote in November, he must register. Only those Voters who registered and voted in 1914 and who have not moved to another precinct since the election of two years ago will not have to register this year. This class takes in the majority of the voters of Jasper county, but there are several hundred throughout the county who will have to register this year. The thing to do is to find out NOW if you belong to the class that WILL or WILL NOT have to register on October 9. r

NEW PASTOR HERE SUNDAY

Rev. E. W. St rocker Will Occupy Pulpit at Methodist Church. Rev. E. W. Strecker, the newly appointed pastor of Trinity M. E. church, will be here Sunday and conduct the reguJar services both morning and evening. Rev. Strecker expects to move here gome time next week. His family consists of his wife and two sons, the eldest of whom resides in • Detroit, but a younger son, 14 years of age,-is yet at home.. The people of Rensselaer and of the Methodist I church in particular extend a cordial welcome to Rev. Strecker and his family. Rev. Paul C. Curnick and family expect to ship their household goods to Indianapolis today and will remain here over Sunday. Dr. Curnick is very enthusiastic over his new work, and the best wishes of the people of Rensselaer will go with him to his new field.

RECENT BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS

October, 5, to Mr. and Mrs. Ames Raines of Jordan township, a son. The parents are both deaf mutes, but the child gives every indication of having good hearing.

Dayton News.

GRAND JURY MAKES REPORT

One Indictment Returned on Which Arrest Has Not Been Made, i ’ The September grand julry, which had been in session the fore part of the week, made their report and were discharged Wednesday. But one indictment was returned, but against whom is so far unknown as it was in blank and no arrest has as yet been made. The grand jury also investigated thd hauling qf corn away from the county .farm, and after taking the testimony of all persons appearing before them, returned a report which exonerates Superintendent Jesse Nichols and County Commissioner D. S. Makeever. The grand jury also visited the county farm and county jail, but had no suggestions or recommendations to make. * The jury completed its labors for the September term and adjourned Wednesday evening.

CENTENNIAL PROGRAM UNDER WAY

Plans Being Made for Celebration In Jasper County WILL INCLUDE THREE DAYS e Program Will Include Old-Time Melodies, Interesting Exhibit of Relics and Other Features. C. R. Dean, chairman of the committee for a centennial celebration in Jasper county, and F. L. Wildriek, superintendent of the Remington schools, have made a tentative outline of a program for the celebration in this county.

While a great deal yet remainH to be done, this outline will serve as a foundation on which to build the celebration program. The assistance of anyone who can and will help in this matter is desired. As now being planned, local programs will be held in Rensselaer, Remington and other points in the county on Friday, October 20. The nature of these programs has not been decided definitely. Saturday, October 21, will be Old Settlers’ day in Rensselaer, and it is planned to make this an interesting day with the exhibit of relics, spelling contests, musical programs, etc: Anyone having any relics of whatsoever kind will be conferring a great favor on the committee by making known their possession. On Monday, October 22, it is planned to have a speech at 2 o’clock p. m. by a member of the historical commission. At 7:15 p. m. there is to be a band concert by the combined bands of the county, playing old-time melodies, and at 8:1/1 p. m. the pictures “Indiana” will be shown. While it* is quite probable that many changes will be made in the •program given, yet this is substantially what an effort will be made to provide. It will take much labor to make this a go but with co-oper-ation it can be dons nicely. V

FUTURE PUBLIC SALE DATES

The Democrat has 1 rinted bills for the following publi • sales: Thursday, October 12, George K. Stover, two and one-half miles east of Fair Oaks. Stock sale, including seventeen cattle and twenty ho*g+f. Wednesday, October 18, George W, Brandenburg, on the former Robert Randle farm, one mile east and three-quarters mile south of Pleasant Grove (now Moody). General sale, horses, cattle, hogs, farm tools, etc. Thursday, October 19, W. A. Stevens* McCoysburg. General sale, Including horses, cattle, hogs, corn, hay, farm tools, etc.

NOTICE TO MODERN WOODMEN

There will be a meeting of the local Modern Woodmen of America lodge Wednesday night, October 11, in the lodge hall. Special business will come before' the meeting and all members are urged to be present. JOHN MERRITT, Clerk. Special care taken. v )n fitting children’s shoes. Try us once and see the diffesence. ’We have dependable shoes at reasonable prices.— ItOWLES & PARKER. - J

Vol. XIX, No. 55

GENERAL AND STATE NEWS

Telegraphic Reports From Many Parts of the Country. SHORT BITS OF THE UNUSUAL Happenings in the Nearby Cities and Towns—Matters of Minor Mention from Many. Places. WOMAN DOCTOR GOES TO PRISQN Pleads Guilty to Performing an Illegal Operation. Elkhart, October s.—Mrs. Alice iH. Horton, 68 years old, who had practiced medicine here many- years, pleaded guilty in the superior court today to a charge of performing an illegal operation upon Evelyn Gilbert, whose death last spring is alleged to have resulted from the operation. Mrs. Horton was indicted Friday on another charge of performing an operation upon Mrs. Goida Randolph. She was sentenced by Judge Harman to three to fourteen years in the woman’s prison> and was fined SIOO. Her trial for the first offense had been set for Monday and the woman was at liberty under $2,000 bond when arrested on the second indictment.

COMMON LAW WIFE GETS $3,000

Mont h ello Case Attracting Much Attention Is Compromised. Vonticello, October -i.—The Ray case came to an abrupt close this morning in the circuit court when a compromise was effected giving $3,000 to Mrs. Jessie Ray, who will have no further claim as widow on the estate of Frank Ray, whose common law wife she claims to be. It is understood that there had been a number of efforts made before the trial began to compromise thei, case,, but the attorneys could not get together. The present compromise was arranged after several hours’ parleying this morning. Mrs. Ray’s attorneys, it is said, suggested the com prom ie. The attorneys for the defendant. Joseph 11. Ross, claim that they had knowledge of Mrs. Ray’s past life that would have reflected on her character, as well as those of a number of men who have a'ppeared in the cjise. They-preferred, however, to compromise by giving her a small sum of money rather than have the estate unsettled while the case was carried through the courts.

CARROLL COUNTY MAN SHORT

Burrows Banker Gives Himself Up in fndiana|Milis. Indianapolis, October (>.—-A neatly attired mart, apparently about 27 yeaiS old, walked calmly into the office of the auditor of state yesterday afternoon and inquired for Arthur Craven, head of the hanking department, “Mr. Graven is not in the city. What can I do for you?” replied John Crittenberger, a member of the office force. “Well,” the stranger, “I am Ellis E. Shook man, cashier of the Farmers’ State bank at Burrows. I have come to surrender to the department, I am about $1.5,000 or $20,000 short in my accounts. Crittenberger began to perspire suddenly and, wlpiyg his brow, asked Shook man to go om with more ‘details. The result of the conversation was that Shookman went on to police headquarters where he wty? charged with being a fugitive. He will be kept in Indianapolis until he can be turned over to officers from Delphi, near which the town of Burrows is situated. Shookman’s surrender was caused immediately by an examination of the bank books by W. O. Dehority of the banking department. Shookman fled from the baifk early yesterday morning, while the examination wae in progress, and came to fndiahapolis. He said he was afraid to surrender at Delphi a ltd came here for safety. Tbo money he took is all gone—possibly $20,000 in all—part of it lost through bad loans, but much more spent to enable Shookman to live better than would have been possible on his salary. BALL BAND rubber boots, $3.50 and $4. —HILLIARD & HAMILL.